Lockdown lifted at New Zealand school after police respond to threat

A tense few hours at New Plymouth Boys’ High School ended with relief on Tuesday after police lifted a precautionary lockdown triggered by a threat against the school.

The lockdown was lifted by 1.40pm, with police beginning to pack away their weapons and leave the school shortly after 1.30pm. The incident had prompted a substantial police response, including the deployment of the Armed Offenders Squad as a precaution, leaving parents and students anxiously waiting for news about those inside. For parents gathered outside the school in the rain, the announcement brought much-needed reassurance. Vernon, a parent who had been waiting outside, said he was delighted that the situation had been resolved. Tess, a student at nearby New Plymouth Girls’ High School, was also relieved. She had been worried about her boyfriend, who was inside the affected school, and was now looking forward to giving him a big hug.

Tess said she had noticed several police cars heading towards the school while walking back after completing her NCEA Level 2 mathematics examination. Police said they were first alerted to the threat at 9.50am on Tuesday and immediately launched enquiries to establish its credibility. "A substantial Police effort was put in place following the threat and included the Armed Offenders Squad which was called in as a precaution," Area Commander Inspector Matenga Gray said. Police said officers remained in the area to establish the veracity of the threat, adding that enquiries into the circumstances of the incident were continuing.

The uncertainty had taken an emotional toll on families waiting outside. Earlier, one mother said she had rushed to the school as soon as she heard about the incident, fearing for her son who was inside. "Absolutely I'm concerned, my heart is going like the clappers, but obviously there's nothing I can do," she said. She also expressed frustration over the lack of communication, saying parents had received no updates more than an hour after the lockdown began. With the lockdown lifted, families could finally breathe easier as students were no longer required to remain inside under the precautionary security measures.